What makes Christmas cookies truly special is the love that goes into decorating them with family and friends, especially when they’re made with simple homemade dough and sweet buttercream frosting, perfect for a quick holiday treat. Save this idea for your next family baking session with a classic easy recipe.

Decorated Christmas Cookies on a Blue and White Plate

Introduction

Baking and decorating Christmas cookies is a timeless tradition that brings joy and warmth to our homes during the holiday season. With these decorated Christmas cookies on a blue and white plate, you’ll not only create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings but also indulge in the delightful flavors of sugar, spice, and everything nice. The best part? You can achieve this festive masterpiece using everyday ingredients and with minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this recipe guides you through the process of creating beautifully decorated Christmas cookies that are almost too pretty to eat.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla provides a classic cookie flavor that everyone loves, and these ingredients are readily available in most kitchens.
• Ease of preparation: The dough comes together quickly, and the decorating process, although it may seem intimidating, is quite straightforward once you get started.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The act of decorating the cookies allows for a great deal of creativity, meaning you can achieve impressive, personalized results without needing to be a professional baker.

Key Ingredients

To make these decorated Christmas cookies, you’ll need the following main ingredients: 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating. For the icing, you’ll need powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using salted butter and omitting the added salt, or using different types of sugar for varying flavors.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4: For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Divide the icing into smaller bowls if you wish to create multiple colors. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix well. Decorate the cooled cookies with the icing and top with colored sugar or sprinkles. Place the decorated cookies on a blue and white plate to create a beautiful holiday display.

Handy Tips

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you’re short on time, you can soften butter in the microwave in 10-second increments, checking until it’s the right consistency.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a cohesive ball.
• For sharper cookie edges, chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet in the freezer for 5 minutes before baking.

Heat Control

When baking the cookies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and the cookies should be baked for 10-12 minutes. They are done when the edges are lightly golden. If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake for 12-14 minutes, but be cautious not to overbake.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of your cookies can be adjusted based on your preference. For a softer cookie, bake for 8-10 minutes. For a crisper cookie, bake for 12-14 minutes. The key to achieving the perfect crunch is to not overbake the cookies and to ensure they cool completely on a wire rack.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
• Invest in a set of high-quality cookie cutters that will make cutting out the cookies easier and give you sharper edges.
• For a professional-looking finish, use a turntable to display your decorated cookies, allowing each cookie to be admired from all angles.

Storage Tips

• Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you won’t be serving them within this timeframe, consider freezing the undecorated cookies and decorating them when you’re ready.
• For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
• When reheating, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, or until they reach your desired warmth.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These decorated Christmas cookies make wonderful gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or boxes lined with parchment paper or tissue paper. You can also wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a more personalized touch. Adding a handwritten note or a sprig of holly to the packaging can make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to the dough for unique flavor twists.
• Creative toppings: Experiment with different types of sprinkles, nonpareils, or even chopped nuts for varied textures and looks.
• Ingredient swaps: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor, or substitute some of the butter with coconut oil for a different taste.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies spread too much, they may have been too warm when baked. Try chilling the cut-out cookies before baking. If they’re too hard, they might have been overbaked.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a specific ingredient, consider what you can substitute without altering the cookie’s integrity. For example, using almond extract instead of vanilla can give a nice flavor variation.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re baking. If the edges start to darken too quickly, they’re likely overcooking. Undercooked cookies will be pale and soft to the touch.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before decorating. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as written contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version, though the texture may vary.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re making cookies for a large group. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven.

Conclusion

Making decorated Christmas cookies on a blue and white plate is a fun and rewarding holiday activity that combines baking, creativity, and tradition. With these simple steps and helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and delicious holiday treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for fun, these cookies are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember with your beautifully decorated Christmas cookies.